Fever is a symptom of an illness. It is part of the body’s normal response to an illness. Fever by itself is not a cause for concern. Simply treat it with supportive care with anti-pyretic medication such as Tylenol or Motrin and monitor your child for other symptoms. Elevated temperatures can be caused by overdressing or over wrapping your baby. It can also occur after immunizations. There are a few scenarios in which fever warrants a visit to our office.
Call us in any of these situations:
- Your baby is 2 months old or less and has a temperature of 100.4F or more.
- Your baby is between the ages of 2 and 4 months, has a temperature over 100.4, and is nursing/eating poorly, crying inconsolably, or sleeping more than usual or whimpering whenever touched.
- Your baby is 6 months of age or older, has a temperature of 101F or more and exhibits any of the above symptoms.
- You are uncomfortable with the way your baby is acting or concerned.
Teething may cause a low grade fever, but usually no more than 101F.
Measuring your baby’s temperature using the axillary method is the quickest and easiest solution. Using a digital thermometer, place the tip in your baby’s dry armpit. Hold his or her elbow close to the chest for a few minutes. Do not add or subtract a degree to the temperature measured. A rectal temperature is the most accurate temperature.
Acetaminophen (found in Tylenol and other cold and pain medications) is the most commonly used medication for babies. It should be given to your baby no sooner than every 4 hours. The dosage amount is based on your baby’s weight. We can provide you with a dosing chart in the office.
Ibuprofen (found in Motrin) can be used in children over 6 months of age. It should be given no sooner than every 6 hours. You can also alternate Tylenol with Motrin every 3-4 hours.
You can find dosing for these medications on our website under Medication Dosing Chart.
Never give your child aspirin.